Thanksgiving helpers

Here are my little helpers for Thankgiving 2013--washing fruit for the cranberry relish . . .

. . . whisking up the goods for our green bean casserole . . .

 . . . and below is Ramona on Thanksgiving day, forming the dough for potato rolls.

Forest was in charge of brining and roasting the turkey. Once the bird was in the oven, he caught a nap in front of a football game before our guests arrived. It's been a couple of years since he accomplished that feat (in reference to the nap, not the turkey).

Around 3:30pm we enjoyed quite the feast: Korean barbeque beef and sweet potato noodles (courtesy of Anabel's family), in addition to all of the American fare that came from our own kitchen. Dessert was apple pie and pumpkin cheesecake pie. I ate my fill with no remorse--the doctor had just told me I should pack on some more pounds before the baby is born, and here was my opportunity, right?

After the meal was over and our guests had left, my littlest helper was eager to tackle some dirty dishes (or play with dish soap and water, however you prefer to look at it).

The next day my bigger helper, Ramona, assisted in putting up the artificial Christmas tree, complete with lights, tinsel, and ornaments. She was thrilled to be involved with this task, and chattered so rapidly as she worked I'm not sure when she found a moment to breathe. The words "admire," "exquisite," and "fabuloso" were used frequently in her tireless talk, and I had to wonder if she was just a little bit excited for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

As tiring as it can be to have such tiny little helping hands around me, I am grateful to have them. Sometimes it seems like most chores would be easier (and less messy) to complete by myself, but it would be much lonelier (and way too efficient) without the little helpers at my side, wouldn't it?

Cello Studio

Since September I have had the chance to do cello lessons with three wonderful students: Drew, Ginny, and Maya. It has been so fulfilling for me to teach regularly again, and having my own music room in this house with a piano, music cabinets, and plenty of cello space has made the whole experience a dream come true.

On Saturday our little cello studio presented its first recital to showcase our progress over the past 10 weeks. My students brought in so many supporters, our front living room was packed with people. I may have to look into a different venue for future recitals!

Candy, anyone?

The past few days our girls have been basking in post-Halloween candy glory, and have shared a fair amount with me and Forest, as well.

Candy Collection Site #1: Church Halloween party & Trunk or Treat

Mika dressed up as a bat . . . and found a bat picture to color. But if you asked her about her costume, she would tell you she was Batman.

Ramona wanted to be either a princess or a witch this year. Luckily, we had the perfect hand-me-down witch costume from Cousin Aubrey. Her church and preschool bestie, Emersyn, dressed up as a witch also, further enhancing their sense of comradery.

Here is my little witch on Halloween Day, all dressed up for her preschool party.

 

 

Candy Collection Site #2: Avago Trick or Treat
Every year, Forest's company hosts about 300 costumed children who weave between cubicles begging for treats. Ramona and Mika were part of this army on Halloween afternoon, and hauled home more loot at this event than ever before. Mika's bucket was cracking from the immense candy weight it incurred, but she wouldn't let us carry it for her until the very end.

 

 

 

 

Candy Collection Site #3: Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat
This was our first Halloween since moving to the new Timnath neighborhood, and we had heard that our neighbors would be taking the holiday very seriously. We invited Ramona's friend Anabel (Snow White) to join these festivities.

When our little troop set out for Trick-or-Treating, there were plenty of house lights lit, as well as some intricate graveyard decor two doors down and a haunted house one block over. The haunted house had a talking brain in a jar on the front porch, which thoroughly amused Mika.

After visiting most of the houses on our block, the girls were content to return home, enjoy a treat, and pass out candy to the other kids.

Perhaps we should schedule another time for the neighbor kids to come over and take our candy--there seem to be mountains of it still sitting around at our house.